A True Competitor Inks 3 Year/$34 Million Deal

Kevin Garnett is considered one of the greatest big men to ever play the game, is back with the Boston Celtics for another 3 years. The 36 year old player considered retiring after the playoffs, but suddenly had a change of heart. Who can even blame him? Having one of his best seasons as a Celtic; he seemed to be rejuvenated. Garnett announced today that he will re-sign with the Celtics and not retire. In his mind and believes that the Celtics could have beat the Heat and won the N.B.A. championship if everyone on the team was healthy. After the Miami Heat won the finals, I started to believe it as well. I’m a big Garnett fan and love the way he competes every game and leaves it all out on the floor. You can never say as a fan that he didn’t give you your money’s worth.

People you know I have to give you my input what I think about the signing. So here we go. I do think that it was great for the Celtics to re-sign KG because he is the heart of the team, but I don’t think that 3 years was too smart. Again KG is 36 and probably has another year to two left in him. This seemed like a Derek Jeter signing; When the Yankees gave him a 4 year deal at the age of 37.  The last year on the deal is going to be a complete wash. A two year deal would have been better. The only thing I question is if Garnett wanted more?

At the same time Garnett does deserves every penny of the money, but he will be 39 years old when the contract is up. I just don’t think he is worth that kind of money at that age. Most players his age are getting the veterans minimum to league’s mid-level exception. I’m truly happy for KG. I just hope that he earns every penny that they just gave him. The Boston Celtics in my eyes scored big in this year’s draft getting Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo. They will be decent to very good pros. These two will be able to give Garnett some rest through the season. What do you think about the signing people? I really want to hear your views.

2012 N.B.A. Draft - The Future

This is the first time I’ve been excited about an N.B.A. draft since 2003 class that delivered LeBron James, Carmello Anthony and Dwayne Wade. This is a pretty deep draft this year. Most of the times we don’t really don’t know what we are going to get and many of these players we aren’t very interested in. Through the years many of the players that fall past the fifth pick seems to fade off the map in the N.B.A. Emotions are running high tonight and dreams are coming true. Happy for these young guys and hope they deliver on the next level. These kids are the future of the N.B.A. and hope to see them at the top. My eyes are glued to the T.V. and I know yours are as well. Enjoy guys!

The Pressure is on: It's Been 39 Long Years Since a Title

1973 was the last time the New York Knicks won a title and had a parade down Broadway. This is the Garden, which is the mecca of basketball. There shouldn’t be any reason why they haven’t won since then. I know I’m a Knick fan and passionate one at that, but I just don’t get it. Since my existence I have never seen the Knicks win a title. The pressure is really on the Knicks this coming season. I don’t want to hear these excuses that we had injuries or we just had bad breaks. The Knicks have invested over $225 million on the Big 3, which includes Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler. They have the right pieces in place to make a run for the title. They just need to play hard, together and with heart.

When the Miami Heat won the 2012 N.B.A. title the pressure went right to the Knicks and Carmelo Anthony to win next. We have some star players on this team and there is no reason why we are finishing as a 7^th seed. This coming season the Knicks should be a top 4 team in the eastern conference. The odds seem to be against the team because they haven’t shown any inclinations that they are a championship team.

This is a chance for the Big 3 to redeem themselves and show the city as well as their fans that they can get it done. Anthony has the most pressure on his plate because he is the leader and the most talented player on the team. Also we can’t forget that he is going into his 10^th season and has only got past the first round of the playoffs once. Many feel that Melo is a selfish player that is out for his own stats. I tend to like Anthony. He is a star player that doesn’t get that much credit. I really do think that his time is coming. I hope that he works out heavily this summer and gets the right mentality that it is about the team. Getting a nice back-up point guard this off-season will really help the Knicks get more production and set the pace on the floor. They are missing a floor general.

I’m always going to have faith in these Knicks, but I’m a realist as well. I might be a fan, but I understand what’s in front of me. I do feel that the Big 3 can get to the Eastern Conference Finals if they play both offense and defense well. What do you think the New York Knicks need to become a championship team?

JPP Making the Giants a Dynasty

Jason Pierre Paul is the real deal people. This man is a beast on that defensive line. We are watching history in the making and we just have to watch and enjoy the ride. As we have seen through the season and the New York Giants run to the Super Bowl, JPP is has taken down the quarterback with such gusto. You heard it first; Jason Pierre Paul if healthy through his career will be the greatest defensive player we have seen since Reggie White and Lawrence Taylor. I know that is some bold words to say, but really think about it guys JPP is only 23 years old. Wow! Also he had 16.5 sacks last season. I can tell you this; quarterbacks are very intimidated by him already. They don’t want any part of him.

I see the Giants winning many more Super Bowls in the future with JPP on the defensive line. This is a strong prediction, but I just see a huge upside for him and the Giants. JPP when running at the opposition man handles the offensive line to get to the quarterback. New Yorkers, it is a treat to have him on this roster and on our televisions every Sunday in football season. When the Giants drafted JPP in 2010, I didn’t know much about him. I just thought that they got a defensive end that they needed to replace Osi. I would have never thought JPP was going to turn out like this.

If I remember Tony Romo barely got off the field after the game against the Giants last season. JPP was out for blood and was sacking Romo left and right. I feel really sorry for the superstar quarterbacks this season that think they will come on the field and have a throwing party against the Giants. They won’t stand a chance with the pass rush that the Giants have in store. I even think the keys will be handed to JPP this season to lead the charge. Tuck, Canty and Osi are okay with this because they trust JPP and understand he is the best and the future. You have to love it people! It’s great to be a New York Giants fan. Go Big Blue! I want to hear from you sports fans!

Phillies are Back to Their old Losing Ways

Philadelphia is a blue collar city where they love their cheese steaks and sports teams. They show a lot of emotion and will tell you that you suck if need be. I can totally respect their approach to sports. So we have the Phillies which have been a dominant team for the past 5 seasons, but they have been a big disappointment this season and I must say I love every moment of it. Never been a Philly fan, but the one person I liked that played in Philadelphia was Allen Iverson. Other than that I’ll pass. It made me feel real good to see the New York Yankees spank the Phillies in the 2009 World Series. The rivalry with Philadelphia goes way beyond baseball. You have the Eagles, 76ers and Phillies. All of these teams are our nemesis here in New York and you already know who we are rooting for NY fans.

Going into this season the Phillies were the favorite to win the World Series. The way it’s looking they may not even go to the playoffs. At the moment they are fourth in their division with a record of 35-40. This is a team with much pressure and high expectations; not just from the Philly fans, but from baseball as a whole. I must say that when Cliff Lee was on the market in 2010, I wanted the Yankees to sign him. He is a great pitcher that is very intimidating with his fast ball. One of the most straight face guys that you would barely see a smile from. Lee having that poker face showing that you don’t belong on the same field as him. Now that the Yanks moved on and brought other pieces in, I can say that I am happy they didn’t sign him. Lee is struggling badly this year. Cliff Lee can’t get out of his own way.

I don’t want to hear all the excuses that the team has faced injuries. Many teams face injuries all the time. I think many on their players are out of their prime. You have Rollins, to me is on his last leg. Lastly you have Ryan Howard, which is a home run hitter but is a strike out machine. Howard swings at everything. He never seen a pitch that he didn’t like. Who knows there is still another half of a season to play? So they might redeem themselves but I highly doubt and want to see the Mets take the NL throne. Do you think that the Phillies are going to win the World Series this year? I want to hear your comments.

Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are Landry!

This man has been a big disappointment this season and in both consecutive playoff appearances. Landry came into the league without high expectations 2010, being drafted 39^th overall. Fields did give the Knicks a spark that they needed to get to the playoffs, where they missed it since 2004 when they were swept by the New Jersey Nets. I just have one question for you guys? Where did Landry Fields go since last April? Is it just me or are we seeing a young 23 year old player regress. What a shame! He will be a free agent this year and I really hope the Knicks don’t re-sign him. I just couldn’t believe they had this man a starter the whole season. I was disgusted people! We need to get a new shooting guard this coming July. I really like J.R. Smith as a 6^th man coming off the bench, but not a starter. He is just too erractic in his shooting most games. 

Fields have been missing so long that we forgot he was even on the team. If he would have played the same way this season, we could have had a better seeding. His shot was totally off and at times looked flat. I don’t want to hear that he feels the pressure being in New York. It’s been two years already Landry! I feel that the Knicks could have had a great shot to beat the Boston Celtics in last year first round playoffs, but he didn’t show up. I guess he was chosen 39^th overall in the drafts for a reason. Just a thought people!

The Man, Champion & Legend - "The Chosen One"

LeBron James has finally got the monkey off his back. Just like New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez, James has faced the same scrutiny of not getting it done in the playoffs. Now he can say he is a world champion. I am very happy for him. When Lebron came into the league I didn’t know what to expect from him; maybe a young phenom straight out of high school that can probably showcase some great dunks, but that’s about it. I didn’t see a 3-time league MVP when I saw him back in 2003. I could never see myself calling someone “King James”. I was such a Kobe fan that I was thinking how this kid can come into this league and be so cocky. Little did I know I was wrong? He was just the opposite. An unselfish team guy that brought the Cleveland Cavilers to places that the city only dreamt about before James landed.

LeBron had so much pressure on him since coming out of high school and being the number one overall draft pick in 2003. They labeled James “The Chosen One”. That is a lot for a kid only 18 years old. He seemed to not let the media and the pressure faze him. Being raised by a single mother, LeBron looked towards basketball as his safe haven and a place to let off steam. Growing to a man child by the 10^th grade, many knew he could go pro. It has been a tough journey for James since he first entered the league. He has seen some ups and downs, but he kept his eyes on the prize; which was the N.B.A. championship. He knew that he will be judged when his career is over on how many championships he has won.

LeBron loves the history of basketball and the tradition that comes along with it. He wants people to love him. This is the reason why he probably didn’t win the title with his first year with the Miami Heat. He was so focused on being the villain that he wasn’t being himself. This year was a different year for “The Chosen One”. He worked out with one of the greatest centers of all-time Hakeem Olajuwon. James worked on his post-up game so that he can have more weapons in his already inhuman arsenal. James came into this lock-out season very focused and hungry for the title. Nothing else mattered but the finals.

Now hopefully with James winning the title he can win over many of the fans that he lost since leaving Cleveland. I know that you can’t make everyone love you, but this is a start for LeBron. I was glad to see him get the title, but next season I hope the Knicks can do something in the playoffs because we already know that they have to get through the Heat to do anything. Do I see a dynasty happening? I really don’t! There are some great teams out there that will challenge the Heat next season and so on, but you can’t predict the future. You can really see in LeBron’s face that he felt that he has finally arrived in the N.B.A. with winning the title. He has made millions of dollars while playing in the league and also generating a fortune with plenty of endorsements deals, but when you have all that money something is missing.

LeBron is going to be a great player for the next 5-7 years, so I can definitely see him winning another 2-3 titles and more league MVPs. He is already considered a legend at the tender age of 27. Wow! Move over Kobe, this is Lebron’s league now. It definitely hurts me to say it, but we all have our time and now his is over. Long hail the King! How many championships you think LeBron will win by the time his career is over? Also are you a LeBron James fan? Now that is a question. Until next time.

Subway Series Finale Tonight! Sabathia vs Dickey

Tonight is the night that we’ve been waiting for; Game 3 and the finale of the Subway Series tonight at Citi Field. Each team has split both games, but tonight is for all the marbles and bragging rights. We all know that the Yankees have had the Mets card for some time now. However, we are seeing a different Mets team. Would you agree? They aren’t okay with just losing anymore. They are going out there night after night and competing and giving their all. I can respect that. As you all know I am a New York Yankee fan, but I do root for the Mets as long as they aren’t playing my team haha.

With CC Sabathia on the mound facing R.A. Dickey, this is a matchup for the ages. We already knew that Sabathia is an ace in the league, but where did Dickey come from with his great performances? He has already tossed consecutive one-hitters this year and we aren’t even at the half yet. This is an amazing accomplishment for a player that was going to play in Korea for $300k per year. I believe in everything happens for a reason and he has found a home with the Mets. With all the drama that this organization faced in the past 6 years, they are giving the fans and viewers what they deserve. They are looking respectable and have a possible chance to win their division as long as everyone chips in and plays their part.

The Yankees won’t just lay down tonight because the Mets have a buzz in the city and in the sports world. Sabathia is going to give us a great outing. I keep hearing that this is just another game on the schedule! Do you really believe that people? Come on with the nonsense. Met fans out there want them to win, not just to have a win under their belts but to say they beat the “Big Bad Yankees”. The Yankees are the big brother in this city and the Mets want to change that perception. Dickey is a stud of a player and will give the Yankees problems tonight, but I think the Yanks will prevail. Sorry Met fans! What do you think the outcome will be?

A Monster Behind Bars! Who is Jerry Sandusky?

Gerald Arthur "Jerry" Sandusky is our modern day pedophile in the United States. With much attention that he received from coaching one of the legendary college programs in America. Penn State was his playing ground for over 30 years, where he started off as a graduate assistant and worked his way up the chain. This football team is revered as a top notch program with a squeaky clean record. Sandusky made sure to put his stamp on this program and school’s reputation. Sandusky preyed on underprivileged kids that had no father figure or parents in general. These were children that many didn’t know or care to know. They were the lost and didn’t have a voice. These kids were moving from one foster home to another.

Sandusky started a charity to help these kids, but took advantage of them by molesting them. This is one of the worst crimes that a person can commit. He is facing the consequences now while he was found guilty June 22, 2012 on 45 of 48 counts against him. This man should truly be ashamed of himself. Jail really won’t do much for the 68 year old that will most likely die in jail. His face looked as he was okay with the verdict. It would have been a big difference if he was convicted at a younger age. His years are winding down and he knows what he did was wrong. It just kills me to see a man that was convicted of crimes that he knows he committed say he is innocent.

What grown man takes a shower with kids and touch them and they don’t consider themselves as a pedophile. If that isn’t a molester then I don’t know what is. The man upstairs will have a say when his days come to an end! Any comments on this verdict people?

Luck is the Real Deal! Look out N.F.L.

For many years now we have seen number one overall draft picks not meet expectations. Maybe it was the pressure of being labeled the savior that will save the organization; however, this year is the second straight year the N.F.L. has found the right ingredients. With Cam Newton of the Carolina Panther and Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts, they will be able to carry on the great tradition that we have come to love. I am truly sold on these two players, but tonight I want to talk generally about Andrew Luck. Luck being the number one overall pick this year in the N.F.L. draft the pressure is on; not just being the top pick, but him replacing Colts legend Peyton Manning.

Manning put that organization on the map and made them relevant for the past 14 seasons. He is one of the greatest players of all-time. Luck will be in the shadow of Manning until he gets a championship. He will be compared to Manning until this happens. This isn’t fair for a young rookie that didn’t ask for this. He was put in this situation by an organization that is yearning for another championship. The players just have to just catch the ball because Luck can throw the ball. The Colts looked pitiful last season. They mailed in those games in my opinion to get Luck. Can you really blame them, but that is not what pros do but that is what the Colts do!

I think that Luck is a hell of a player. He will be just fine; wouldn’t be surprised if he will become an MVP caliber player for years to come. Winning a title is another question though. First he needs to just get acclimated in the N.F.L. and learn to play on the professional level. We have seen Cam Newton come out of nowhere and become a star quarterback in just his rookie season. The scary part about Luck is that he can even be better than Newton and many experts think so. I know it is too early to give this young man the crown, but watch out; Luck is coming! Tell me what you guys think about Luck and his potential?

Just get Over it Karl! Pretty Please

Denver Nuggets coach George Karl just seems to not get over Carmello Anthony. I understand that you were critical of him when he was traded to the Knicks last year, but why are you still talking about him? Is it that you lost one of the best scorers in the N.B.A.? Hmm, I can’t answer that question. The only thing that I can say is he needs to move on with his Nuggets team and tweak the roster and get them to the level they envisioned to become. Why are you wasting your energy on a player that isn’t thinking about you? Anthony right now is preparing himself for the summer Olympics in London.

It has to be every four months Karl is in the news criticizing Anthony on his play. He feels that Carmello would never win a title if he keeps playing the way he has. What he wants to say is that Anthony is selfish. He is just beating around the bush. If you’re going to come out and criticize someone say it all and don’t jump over your words. I’m very tired of seeing Karl in the papers or hearing him on ESPN radio. This is a man that is been a decent coach, not great in my eyes but that is for public to decide. He did take the Seattle Supersonics to the N.B.A. finals in 1996, but lost to Michael Jordan’s Bulls. So he did have some success in the league, but what has he won in his career? So to keep bashing Anthony is crazy. Many people are a bit fed up with the comments.

Anthony does have to work on some things to get his team to the promise land, but he can’t do it alone. He is the only offensive option on that team. He needs help! So I think that Amar’e Stoudemire will have to step up next season. We need to see some changes as New Yorkers. Anthony is a hell of a player and a superstar and deserves his due credit. Remember these guys have a lot of pride and ego. They love the money, but they love the fan praise as well. If I’m correct, didn’t the Nuggets do pretty well ever since Carmello was traded? So why is Karl sour about Anthony? Only he can answer that; but he won’t. It will just go with him when he retires.

Karl is trying to hit Anthony with low blows because he knows that he is vulnerable at the moment with the quick out by the Miami Heat in the playoffs. If Anthony would have advanced to the next round or Eastern Conference Finals, this wouldn’t even be a story people. If I recall Karl has been in disputes with other players in his career. Let’s peel the onion back on this fella people. First he has been critical of Shawn Kemp, Gary “The Glove” Payton and Kenyon Martin. This man is unbelievable. He needs to take a vacation and go to his ranch and watch the news or something and stop trying to make news. Just a thought people! Do you think he has been taking his comments and criticisms too far?

A True Class Act MVP Retires a Charger

The 2006 league’s MVP LaDainian Tomlinson will re-sign with the San Diego Chargers and then announce his retirement. He was drafted in 2001 by the Chargers when they weren’t that good or relevant. They were still getting over the devastation that they faced with Ryan Leaf. The man they chose in the draft before maybe the greatest player of all-time Peyton Manning, but we’ve been trying to move on from that. Tomlinson will definitely go down as one of the greatest running backs to have ever played the game. L.T.’s all-time rankings are as following. He ranks 5^th in rushing yards with 13,684 and 3^rd in total touchdowns with 162.

What an amazing career L.T. has had. When I watched him play I thought of Barry Sanders all over again. What a treat to watch. With strength, speed and great footwork many opponents couldn’t stop him from reaching the end zone. You can even say that he made the stiff arm a lethal weapon in his arsenal. One of the classiest guys you will ever see in professional sports. We knew as sports fans that we have witnessed greatness in 2006, when he set the NFL single-season record with 31 touchdowns. I was sold after that year. You just felt that he was bringing that franchise to levels they haven’t experienced in years. He was a gem for them giving them great wins.

They later repaid him for his talents by releasing him in 2010. The release was due to him aging and plagued with injuries. L.T. would then go on to play for the New York Jets respectively as he would reach the AFC title game with them two straight consecutive years. The only knock on L.T. was his honesty. Yes we want our players to be honest, but not where it can hurt a team’s image and perception about them. He didn’t shy away from the camera with comments and knocks on his former teams. The next stop for Tomlinson is the Hall of Fame where he belongs with the other greats. Where do you think L.T. ranks amongst the greats?

Dwight "Superman" Howard's Kryptonite is Public Scrutiny

In today’s news is “Where is Dwight Howard going to land This Off-Season”? I think most of us by now are a bit over the hoop la and just waiting for Superman to get dealt. Howard definitely needs a change in scenery and he might have some suitors waiting and looking to pull the trigger for his services. However, team executives are starting to question his character and how he has handled this season off the court with his quotes of unhappiness. The disgruntled Howard made it known to the public that he wanted out this season, but when the trade deadline came he chose to opt in. The only reason that he did was because he wasn’t ready for the public backlash that he would have faced if he were to be traded. Everyone wants to be a superstar and the perks that come with it, but not everyone is ready to handle the public and media. Howard proved this year that he has a lot of pull and power within the organization. Stan Van Gundy and Otis Smith are out and unemployed for now. Howard claims that he had nothing to do with it, but come on man you had everything to do with it. Van Gundy could have handled the situation better, but you can tell he was ready to move on from the organization because he started to see the writings on the wall. One thing is for sure; Howard gave the fans what they paid to see and then some. Superman definitely exists in Orlando. He left it out on the floor every night. With his upgraded offense and his tremendous defensive, he will be one of the biggest trade acquisitions in recent years.

Howard isn’t ready for what he is about to come face-to-face with this summer. Those super powers that he thinks is within his possession will be tested. The public scrutiny that he will receive from fans will be like nothing we have seen since Lebron James departing Cleveland. This trade prediction where and when Howard will go is one of the hardest that I ever encountered. Many are saying that he will either land with the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Laker or Dallas Mavericks. Those are his preferred destinations. Howard is the best big man in the league today. The only thing he is missing is a title under his belt. He was very close to reaching this goal in 2009, but was ousted by the Lakers. Howard has come to realization that he isn’t going to win a championship playing in Orlando. He knows that the playoffs will be a given every year, but after the money and endorsements; players are looking to hold that gold trophy and to wear that bling on their finger. Howard needs to mature and own his mistakes and take responsibility for his actions.

Starbury has Found a Home in China

I know this topic tonight is going to have many of you all scratching your heads, but what the heck. I’m going in! The subject tonight is about one of my favorite players of all-time; two-time N.B.A. All-Star and two-time All-N.B.A. third team Stephon Marbury a.k.a. Starbury. Anyone very close to me knows that I grew up a huge fan and emulated my game after him. I know what you’ll are saying right now; Stephon Marbury huh? Why not Michael Jordan? First off, Jordan is my favorite player. The thing is I couldn’t fly like “Air Jordan”. But everyone in the 90’s wanted to be like “Mike”. Enough of me and back to prime time! Marbury has many fans throughout the world and people that can’t stand him and felt he was a cancer while playing in the N.B.A. Stephon has had his ups and downs throughout his career while playing for five different N.B.A. teams. One thing I can say about him was that he was one of the most electrifying point guards that we will ever see. He could score on anyone in the league with power and finesse while giving that behind the back pass for a dunk. He was a player that many came out to see. The main attraction that filled the seats at N.B.A. games and the owners loved him for that. Don’t get me wrong, Marbury made a nice payday throughout his 13 year career. He made well over $150 million.

Marbury was even a more caring person that gave back to the communities which he was from. He was the only player that wanted to take the burden off of many families across the nation. Marbury came out with a signature sneaker that cost only $15. I just don’t think you can get more caring than that. What other player would have done something like that. Remember it’s all about the money. Marbury was exiled from the New York Knicks and then the N.B.A., but they will never say that had any part in that and would just put the blame on him. However, Marbury found himself a home in China. He is one of the biggest stars out there right now and will be a legend out there when he retires. He is showed so much love out there. That is what he was missing in the United States. I know many of his critics feel that all the effort he put in playing in China, why didn’t he win a championship in his home country. Many people don’t know how hard it is to win on the biggest stage. Look at the greats that didn’t win a title, but had a huge influence on the game. We put too much pressure on our stars to win titles to where it at times messes up their psyche. I understand that is the reason why they are getting paid the big bucks and they should just man up. When Marbury won the C.B.A. title for the Beijing Ducks, he was promised that a bronze statue will be built for him as a tribute. I am very happy for him that he found a place where he can call his second home and feel the great reception after a 2009 meltdown in the United States. While many thought he was on drugs with his behavior.

Here is where the fun part begins people. “The Hall of Fame”? I think that Marbury should be considered for the Hall. Starbury has averaged throughout his career 19.3 points per game while dishing out 7.6 assists. Those are astounding career numbers for a point guard. I believe that he should at least be considered in a couple of years when the time comes. Give him at least that respect David Stern and company. I would have loved to see him finish his career with the New York Knicks or any other team, but everything happens for a reason and he has found his meaning and calling in China. What are your thoughts on this topic?

A Drunken Big Blue in Astoria

Can’t believe this is even a story and we are talking about this. David Diehl should be ashamed of himself. How can you get that drunk and get behind the wheel and attempt to drive home. I keep hearing people say that he didn’t think that he was drunk. PLEASE! If he came out the bar and he was talking with a slur and can barely walk, you telling me that he wasn’t drunk. Remember people, the Giants just went to the White House and met President Obama for the ceremony of winning the Super Bowl last week. So how could you go out two days later and make a complete fool of yourself. We need to stop putting professional athletes on a high pedal stool. Many of them don’t deserve it and most shouldn’t be considered role models to our children. I do understand that mistakes happen and we all make them at times, but this is a damn joke. Three times the alcohol limit; and he crashes into park cars. What more can I say people. I know he is a very large man that looks like the “Incredible Hulk” and maybe can take down a couple of drinks, but everyone has a limit. Many don’t even know that David Diehl received the Wellington Mara NFL Man of the Year Award May 22, 2012 at the annual Boys Hope Girls Hope Dinner. I’m a little shocked that Diehl of all people would get himself on the back page of the papers. He has kept his nose clean since becoming pro out of Illinois. I really feel bad for those parked cars. Now their insurance is going to go up just because this is New York State. A no fault state. Diehl, you owe us another Super Bowl for this mess. Go out and get it! What are your thoughts?

Matt "The Bison" Kemp! The King of L.A.

A star is born in Los Angeles and his name is “The Bison”, a nick name given to Matt Kemp by Atlanta Braves announcer Don Sutton in 2006. Kemp is one of the best baseball players in the league today. We are watching greatness in front of our eyes today and many of us don’t even know it. However, L.A .does! Kemp was drafted in 2003 and has been called up in 2006. Kemp has everything most players would want; height, speed, power, defensive skill, agility and oh, he dated Rihanna. How could I leave that out right! Kemp plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers and is signed until 2019. After the 2011 season, Kemp signed a franchise record 8-year, $160 million contract extension. It was well deserved and they invested in the right player. He is no “Kwame Brown”, as Stephen A. Smith would say. He isn’t a scrub. With the Triple Crown in sight, Kemp has to do his best to stay off the disable list (DL). I know that injuries can’t be predicted, so with his youth being only 27 years old he will be able to heal quickly. I really look forward to following his career and know that he will win the Triple Crown and maybe bring the L.A. Dodgers to the promise land one day. This even might be the year where he will win NL MVP. Last year he finished second in the votings behind Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun. What are your thoughts? I want to hear your input.

Win or be Traded! No Questions Asked

Saturday night is the game that will predict the future of the Miami Heat’s big 3, starring LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. They will be playing in a game 7 against the Boston Celtics in south beach. The Heat is the favorite to win the game and move on to the finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder starring Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. However, if the Celtics find a way to show up and win this game, then they will contend for the title and the Heat’s big 3 will just be a memory. In vice versa now, if the Celtics lose, their big 3 will be going their separate ways. The likely to go if either team loses would be Bosh, Allen and Wade. In game 6 the Celtics looked a total mess and at times pitiful. They didn’t even put on a show for their energetic and emotional fans in T.D. Garden. The Celtics looked very old, in a daze and just wanted the game to be over. LeBron James totally dominated the game, leading the way with 45 points. One of his best career playoff games by far. What a performance from a MVP that is known as a choke artist in the fourth quarter the last couple of years. If he wins a title, he will solidify his legacy as one of the greatest. I personally think that if LeBron wins at least three titles he may past Michael Jordan as the greatest. Hear me out people! That is a long stretch though. Just think about it for a second. He will pass many of the greats in statistics through his career and with the rings.

Already a 3-time MVP of the league and only 27 years old, he is just missing on his resume the championships. I don’t feel that he needs to win six titles to be the greatest. Michael Jordan is the greatest of all-time, but someone has to surpass him one day and who better to do it than James. LeBron is a type of player that comes around maybe every 20 years. We have never seen a player like him before. I’m very tired of people saying he is Magic Johnson. Lebron is Lebron! Total different players people. Getting back on track, if the Heat lose game 7 we are going to look back at their celebration when the big 3 came together in the summer of 2010. That was a damn joke! Coming out dancing and smoke in the air saying not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4; you get the point. They were celebrating like they won a title already. The pressure will be on the Heat more than the Celtics in game 7. I believe they will get it done and LeBron will close them out and won’t come up short. Wade at times has been looking like a shell of himself through the series. Many people are just waiting to see the Heat in the finals and James handling the pressure. Now that is the $100 million question. What are your thoughts and comments?

T.O.'s Last Stand!

Terrell Owens career is at an end, but don’t tell him that. At the age of 38, you can say that he needs to come to grips that it’s all over. Doesn’t mean he can’t pursue other football gigs like being a football analyst. He would do a great job in that position with the personality he brings, T.O. could be the next Charles Barkley of football. He will go down as a top 5 wide receiver that has ever played the game. He is going to finish his career number two all-time in reception yards with 15, 934 behind his mentor Jerry Rice, which many say he is the greatest football player that has ever put on a jersey. I would agree that Rice is, but that is for another day to talk about. T.O. has been known for his competitive approach to the game and his off the charts antics. From dancing on the sidelines with the team cheerleaders to signing the football after a touchdown, he will definitely be missed. Owens could have made his career even more impactful if he would have got along with fellow players and coaches. I must say that you really don’t appreciate a person until they’re gone. That is a true statement and I think that many will miss him as well. Owens was a player that kept himself in tip top shape and came to play every game, even though he could have been a head case at times. He left it all out there on the field. Even in Super Bowl XXXIX with a severely sprained ankle and a fractured fibula, he almost won the game by himself with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2004. I can respect a player that has an injury and will do anything to win. He isn’t popular with the media and many households around the country, but I don’t think we will see another player like him in our lifetime. On that note, I keep hearing sports broadcasters saying that T.O. will not be a first ballot Hall of Famer when his time comes. Are they crazy to even bring that up as a debate or a conversation? T.O. will become a Hall of Famer and doesn’t matter if he is a first ballot or not. Isn’t the goal just to become a Hall of Famer? Wow, things are definitely changing in society on how we look at legends and what they have accomplished. T.O. just do what you have to do and make better business decisions in the future and you will be golden.

Allen is Still Looking for an "Answer"

Allen “The Answer” Iverson is considered by many one of the 50 Greatest Players to ever play the game of basketball. He will go down as a first ballot hall of famer and will be considered the best pound-for-pound guard ever. He is actually one of my favorite players I’ve seen play in my lifetime. He gave us some very exciting moments to enjoy and cherish. Iverson the Godfather of the crossover dribble had many children and adults imitating his moves to have a competitive advantage on the court. He made the crossover dribble more popular than Tim Hardaway who came before him. With Iverson’s toughness, speed and scoring ability, many players admired and appreciated the 6’0 guard.  He is a player that we will be talking about to our kids and grandchildren for years to come. That is the effect that he had on the game of basketball. With that said, it saddens me to talk about tonight how Iverson is broke and has so many off the court issues that he is facing. Iverson blew around $200 million that he has made over his dazzling career. He is still trying to get back into the N.B.A. after no one wanted to give him a shot. He has made his bed and now he is laying in it. Having the bad boy image for years rubbed many people the wrong way around the league. As they say “You reap what you sow”. Iverson is seeing that now. First it was the selfish play through the years with the Philadelphia 76ers, missed practices and not getting along with coaches. With Iverson turning 37 years old this week, no teams are calling for his services. He tried playing overseas but that didn’t work out. Seems Stephon Marbury is successful at that, but Iverson got home sick and had an injury. Hopefully this topic will show to young athletes out there that making millions doesn’t mean spending most and even all of it. Saving should be something that is incorporated in your life. If Iverson would have saved some money he would have just retired comfortably. I wish you Allen the best in your future endeavors. What are your thoughts?

We Want Ron Artest Back! Metta World Peace huh?

Wow, where do I start with this one people. The man they call Metta World Peace a.k.a. Ron Artest gave a dangerous elbow to the head of OKC James Harden in April. Harden completely stunned by the hit suffered a concussion. I didn’t want to talk about this right away because I just wanted things to cool down after all the media attention that it received. Well here it is people! Let’s go in. I really want to talk about his name which is Metta World Peace. First off, we all were confused why he would change his name to that. After the change, we tried to get use to this World Peace name, but it just didn’t sit right calling him that. Well he definitely proved us right, going back to the violence that he is known for. We all know he has a checkered past. This is the same guy that drank Hennessy in the locker room in games while a rookie on the Chicago Bulls. Lastly, how can we forget the 2004 brawl in Auburn Hills, Michigan when the Indiana Pacers played the Detroit Pistons? He has really made a name for his self literally. We want to see Ron Artest overcome his negative past, but the league really needs to help him with the mental illness that he is facing so these situations won’t keep occurring. I know he is seeing a psychiatrist for the past several years, but is he really taking his medication. I’m not going at Ron as it might seem, but I see this happening again and maybe even worse next time. Through the years he has been on his best behavior and kept his nose clean. Artest is someone you feel bad for and want to see him do well. When the Lakers won the title in 2010, I was the first one that clapped for Artest, even though I’m not a Lakers fan. Overall, he should change his name back to Ron Artest and find his true identity. Get rid of this Metta World Peace nonsense. Ron, you aren’t peaceful! The elbow you threw could have killed the guy. What a damn joke. 

Tiger on the Road to Redemption

Within the last few years we have seen Tiger Woods struggle in his personal life and in the game that he loves; which is golf. We have seen a dominant player in his sport over a decade decline drastically. Many people are saying that once his personal life came to light in the public eye in fall 2009, things just wasn’t the same for him. I know with the two young children that he just had at that time and the divorce proceedings with Elin had something to do with his golf struggles.  I can’t say that his transgressions didn’t have anything to do with it, but once all those women came out and said that they had relations with him; he just wasn’t the same Tiger. Just with all the embarrassment that he faced and him trying to be Mr. Perfect to the world, his life went into a spiral afterwards. Tiger Woods is good for sports people. It’s that plain and simple! When Tiger is winning, the overall sports industry is winning as well. The exposure that the sports world gets when Tiger is on top is tremendous. However, Tiger has to stop going out there on the course looking abysmal and start competing at a high level. As much as people have looked at Woods as the bad guy, they know deep down they want to see him overcome his struggles. America is a country that is about giving second chances and I think that we all want this man to succeed. Not just because he is Tiger but because we love to see redemption. Tiger needs to step his game up and win some more majors because many people have counted him out. They think that he has at most 2 more majors left in him. What are your thoughts?